In a highly competitive segment, all manufacturers have to move fast or get left behind in a hurry — Kia is not resting on its laurels when it comes to the Forte lineup. It not only gets more equipment for 2017, it also arrives with a nicer cabin and stronger style.

In the compact hot hatch segment, having the right mechanicals wrapped in boring sheet metal just does not work. The 2017 Forte5 brings a sharp Euro-inspired look. Yes, it’s still the typical of a two-box hatchback design, but the sweeping roofline, strong character lines and, in SX form, HID headlights, LED positioning lights and light-bar technology rear lamps transform the hatch from frumpy to fancy. The red trim line sitting in the front grille even mimics the Volkswagen Golf GTI!

With the looks having invited a potential customer to look a little closer, it is important the car have a classy interior with the right features. Here, the Forte5 SX shines. The list of equipment is too long to list here, but the highlights include heated and cooled leather-wrapped front seats, a power moonroof, smart instrumentation and an all-encompassing infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

The latter, in Forte trims that do not offer built-in navigation, brings a big plus — when a smartphone is hardwired into the infotainment system’s USB, it mirrors the mapping information in the car’s central screen just as though it was a built-in feature. Just watch your data consumption if you use navigation frequently.

Slide rearward and things are just as good — heated outboard seats and plenty of head- and legroom for a of pair six-foot adults. The centre spot is less accommodating, but it works in a pinch. Behind that is a squared of trunk with minimal intrusions, a privacy cover and 657 litres of space. Fold the seats down and you get a flat floor with 1,597 litres of space – which, for a compact car, is generous and better than many in the segment. There is also under-floor storage and, in the SX, a compact spare in lieu of a tire inflation kit. Thank you, Kia!

One of the Forte’s key advantages is the level of safety technology available. The Forte5 SX arrived with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist. The latter uses the electrically-assisted steering to keep the Forte within the lane and it’s adjustable in terms of sensitivity.

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If you go with the sedan, it also offers autonomous emergency braking with both vehicle and pedestrian detection — it has the ability to bring the car to a stop should it deem a collision is immanent and the driver takes no evasive action to avoid it. Some cars costing twice as much do not offer these important safety aids. Bringing it to a sub-$30K car sends a strong message to the competition.

The Forte5’s sporty new look is supported by an equally strong work ethic. While the mainstream models arrive a 2.0L four-cylinder engine (up from last year’s 1.8L four), the SX gets a 1.6-litre turbocharged four that generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm. The early arrival of peak torque dispenses with turbo lag and brings a brisk response to a deep stab at the gas pedal.

The engine drives the front wheels through a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission complete with paddle-shifters on the D-shaped steering wheel. It is a slick-shifting affair that bumps through its gears seamlessly. The powertrain combination is potent — the run to 100 kilometres an hour comes in at 7.3 seconds, while the 80 to 120 km/h passing move came in at 5.2 seconds. Both times are quick enough to make it a serious competitor in the hot hatch segment.

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

2017 Kia Forte5 SX

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

The extensive use of ultra-high strength steel throughout the body brings a solid base of operations for the SX’s sport-tuned suspension. The handling is accomplished without bringing a harsh feel over broken pavement. The upsized P225/40R18 tires then reduce understeer when the car is pushed toward the limit and there’s less unwanted stability control intervention, although hard acceleration did see the engine break the front tires free. Such is the Forte5’s low-end punch.

The Forte5 also earns Kia’s Drive Mode select. It alters the throttle response, shift points and the weight in the steering. Eco is really only there for those who value economy — it makes the throttle and steering feel too soft. Normal, which is the default mode, is ideal for most eventualities. However, pick Sport when it’s time to have fun. There is noticeably more heft in the steering and the feedback comes through with greater precision. Through a series of sweeping corners the SX pushed on through with remarkable poise. Rather than protesting at the entry speed, it just hunkered down and held its own very nicely. The SX also earns some much needed larger front brakes. In the end, it is a match for its hot hatch peers.

The 2017 Kia Forte5 SX is a well-rounded offering. It has the right flexibility/utility and an attractive, well-equipped, cabin. It also handles adroitly and it’s quick thanks to its turbocharged power. Throw in the desirable safety equipment and it succeeds in pushing the benchmark for the compact segment upward, once again.